Biography

Despite her appointment as Chancellor of Penn State Altoona in July 2005, Lori Bechtel-Wherry is often thought of as Penn State Altoona's "First Lady." A pioneer for women at Penn State Altoona and throughout the University, Dr. Bechtel-Wherry holds the distinction of being Penn State Altoona's first female full professor, first female associate dean for academic affairs, and now its first Chancellor.

Bechtel-Wherry began her long association with Penn State in 1984 as a teaching assistant in the department of health education at the University Park campus. Bechtel-Wherry arrived at Penn State Altoona in 1985 as an instructor in health education. In 1987, she received her Ph.D. in health education with a minor in counseling from Penn State and began the tenure-track position of assistant professor of health education at Penn State Altoona. She also served as the College's athletic director.

Achieving the academic rank of full professor of bio-behavioral health in 1997, Bechtel-Wherry simultaneously began her ascent up the administrative ladder as head of the Division of Education, Human Development, and Social Sciences through 2003. With the retirement of long-time academic dean Dr. Kjell Meling, Bechtel-Wherry assumed the position of associate dean for academic affairs in 2004, becoming the first female at Penn State Altoona to hold this distinguished position.

The departure of CEO and Dean Dr. William Cale, Jr. in 2005 led to Bechtel-Wherry's appointment to the position of Interim CEO and Dean. Hired as the college's Chancellor (formerly CEO and Dean) in July 2005, Bechtel-Wherry again achieved another first for women at Penn State Altoona.

A Martinsburg, PA, native, Bechtel-Wherry has three children: Andrea, 24, a 2006 graduate of Penn State in biology; Adam, 21, a junior at Penn State, University Park majoring in turf grass management; and Zachary, 19, a freshman senior at Penn State Altoona.

An avid tennis player, Bechtel-Wherry enjoys jogging, golfing, gardening and working outside, spending time with her children, family, and friends, traveling, and patronizing the arts, especially theatre and modern and post-impressionist art.

Bechtel-Wherry has a life-long connection to Blair County and a passion for helping to make this community a better place to live and work for all. Her dedication to the community is evident from her long-time involvement with many local organizations, especially those whose missions are to promote health and primary prevention. She looks forward to a long relationship with Penn State Altoona, its students, faculty, and staff, and to building many successful partnerships with the community.